Times-Journal News Editor

After a sluggish first half in Monroeville, the Morgan Academy Senators found their offense and road running back Josh McAteer to a 14-6 win over the Monroe Academy Vols Friday night.

After his team wracked up just 45 yards of offense in the first half, Morgan coach Robert Gartman fired up his charges who responded with a pair of second half touchdowns.

Morgan finished with 180 yards of total offense.

The defense was inspired as well, after allowing 126 yards rushing in the first half on 29 carries, they held the Vols to 33 yards on 13 carries in the second half.

The Vols (2-5) drew first blood with a 19-yard touchdown pass.

The extra point failed and Morgan trailed 6-0 at the break.

Morgan (6-1, 4-0) wasted little time in the second half taking the lead.

McAteer broke free on a 43-yard touchdown run with 9:32 left in the third.

Jeremy Smith added the extra point.

Then, with 7:36 left in the game, McAteer salted the game away with a 6-yard score.

He finished with 106 yards and two TDs on 22 carries.

Smith’s extra point made it 14-6.

Smith also punted the ball well.

He had punts of 49, 50, 48 and 61 yards.

The 61-yarder was downed at the Vols’ 1-yard line and helped set up the final scoring drive for Morgan.

On defense, Hensley Hughes had 16 solo tackles and Andrew Slagel added 10 solo stops.

Next week the Senators host Fort Dale in a key region game.